URBAN TERRACES

Urban Terraces highlights the work completed in my Architecture Design and Development course. The primary objective was to schematically design and develop a boutique hotel at the intersection of Neil Street and Washington Street in Downtown Champaign, emphasizing the integration of the basic elements of building; materials, detail, structure, technology, program, life safety, and universal design. Working at a more integrated level allowed me to apply the design process to a broader range of architectural issues, and respond through research and creativity to a complex set of parameters.

The primary feature of my design proposal was a focus on organizing the form of my building according to the prominent corner site along the south and west facades, optimizing views over the landscape of Downtown Champaign. To address other areas of the building other than this corner, I created a large atrium and stepped back terrace space on the northeast corner of the building, to turn the less important corner into an internal focal point, while the southwest corner is the external focal point.

Basement Plan

First Floor Plan

Second Floor Plan

Third Floor Plan

Fourth Floor Plan

Fifth Floor Plan

Sixth Floor Plan

Roof Plan

The integration of the stepped-back levels around the interior courtyard also creates open-atrium terraces at each level to provide ample gathering and relaxation spaces, and gradually open up the entire atrium to the large skylights above it. The hotel design aims to be a desirable atmosphere within Champaign by providing amenities such as a restaurant, cafe, bar, interior courtyard, fitness center, library, conference room and lounges throughout the structure. The hotel is also fully accessible for all guests, and includes two ADA compliant guest rooms.

East Elevation

South Elevation

West Elevation

North-South Section 1

North-South Section 2

East-West Section

The introduction of the schematic design into my personal repertoire allowed me to provide more detail and attention to the various systems that form a comprehensive design. I developed and integrated architectural skills such as technical documentation, historical traditions and global cultures, accessibility, sustainability, site design, life safety, environmental systems, and structural systems.